This weekend Mr. Spicy Lens and I adventured to Washington DC. We caught up with friends and did a little dining. There aren’t a lot of photos on this post. Sometimes it makes for an awkward movement, taking photos of my plate at dinner with friends.

The first stop on my list was Georgia Browns.

I was first introduced to Georgia Browns in 2003, while visiting my BFF who was attending college at Howard. It was love at first bite. Country Biscuits and Cornbread Sticks slathered in Honey Butter with Peach Tea. I think I could make a meal out of just that. My friend and bridesmaid Tiffany met me for lunch.

I had the Petite Crab Cake Appetizer. Which consist of Crab Cake “Mini’s” served with creamed Dandelion Greens, Tomato Cucumber Salad and Citrus Tartar Sauce.

That evening Mr. Spicy Lens and I met a few friends for drinks at The Gibson.

The Gibson is a modern day speak easy. There is no sign on the entrance and reservations are required. They offer a variety of specialty drinks. Old-fashion fizzies, seasonal punches, and cobblers. Some of the fizzies contain egg. Our waitress informed us this adds to the thickness of the drink. Mr. Spicy Lens had a “3 way with Sam” which contained Cognac, Honey Syrup, Lemon juice, muddled strawberry, egg white, and a dash of Peychaud’s. It was surprisingly tasty. I had a “Rainbow Cobbler”. The cobblers are all served on crushed ice. A tasty way to beat the heat. They also have a variety of wines and mixed drinks.

We headed to OYA for dinner. OYA is an Asian-French fusion restaurant.

After a day full of eating and drinks, I was almost full. So, I went for the sushi menu. I normally eat “Chicken Nugget” Sushi also known as California Rolls. Since I am trying to expand my palate, I went all out last night.

The Fruit Roll Up Roll featured avocado, crab, strawberries, kiwi, and yuzu mango. It was almost too pretty to eat. I wish I had taken a photo of it now. D’OH!

OYA also has a Spare Rib Roll that is topped with MASHED POTATOES!!!! Crazy right??

The Spicy California Roll was mildly spicy. If your a sushi newbie, go for it. I also recommend the Shrimp Tempura Roll.

I really don’t like to feature restaurants that have a dish that was bad, but the sushi was so good. I will advise you to stay clear of the Chicken Skewers. They were extremely dry.

The joys of living across the Hudson sometimes includes a free concert or two.

Even if you have to get up at 4:45am, before the tourists invade Times Square.

My friend (Who went to work late and will remain nameless) and I got up before the crack of dawn and drove into the city.

We parked and took the train from Times Square to Central Park.

We arrived around 5:45 and didn’t have to stand in line for more than 10 minutes.

Once inside we waited as the crew did sound check, adjusted the lights and recorded teasers from the Park for the show.

We got there right when the park opened for the show. I was pleased with our spot. I brought my big boy lens (70-300mm) with me.

Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos were on vacation. We got stuck with Chris Cuomo and Elizabeth Vargas. I have no idea who they are…

Live feed of broadcast.

Mary came out around 8:15 did a quick sound check and said hello. I screamed back. I don’t think she heard me.

Then they shot another teaser and I screamed HI MOM! ( My mom was watching from the beach.)

Mary came out around 8:30 and preformed “I Am”.

Mary’s Boots. I made a bet with my nameless friend around 5ish, that Mary would have on Boots. Any true MJB fan knows Mary always wears amazing leather boots. Since it is the first week of July, my nameless friend didn’t think Mary would wear boots. As soon as she tipped on stage, I kept trying to snap a photo of the boots. They were a strapy black knee high boot.

The Summer Concert Series is held in Central Park. No tickets are needed. Go Early. Take Water and Breakfast. Bring Your Camera. Leave your lawn chair at home or surrender it at the gate. Check the weather too. It was a little chilly until about 8am.